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TrueNorth Explains Eating Organic

posted by TrueNorth Employee Benefits on Tuesday, May 2, 2017

According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), eating organic foods is not only healthier for your body, it is also better for society and less expensive in the long run. 

What is Organic Food?

Organic foods are farmed or processed in an earth-friendly manner. Organic applies to agricultural products, meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Instead of traditional farming techniques, farmers control weeds and pests using environmentally-safe practices that not only benefit the earth but also consumers' health. 

Foods can bear varying organic labels, depending on their makeup.

Regulations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the use, definition, and meaning of the word "organic" on food labels. 

A federal standard was established to restrict and prohibit the use of the following:

• Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
• Sewer sludge fertilizers
• Genetic engineering and growth hormones
• Irradiation
• Antibiotics
• Artificial Ingredients

Your Health

Now that you know how to define organic foods, we'll help explain some of their myriad benefits. Unlike traditional agricultural foods, organic products are grown without pesticides. Pesticides potentially contain cancer-causing agents and heavy metals that can cause nerve damage. 

Costs

Organic foods are typically priced higher when compared to traditional foods due to stricter handling and production standards that organic farmers must adhere to. If you want to buy organic, but have difficulty justifying the price, we encourage you to try the following: 

• Visit a local farmer's market or natural food cooperative, which have competitive prices on organic foods. If you join the co-op, you will usually save even more money. 
• Consider organic options only for the foods you use most often, like milk, fruit, eggs, and hold off on the items that you use infrequently. 

TrueNorth is here for you every step of the way

Get your coverage through TrueNorth so you can rest assured that the things and people you love are protected and accounted for. Call us at 319-364-5193, and a personal insurance agent will gladly look over your plan. Find out more about our personal solutions and obtain a quote for home and auto insurance at www.iTrueNorth.com. 

TrueNorth also offers businesses of every size comprehensive solutions to meet their business needs and those of their employees. If you are in need of business solutions or are looking to start a business of your own, please call TrueNorth. Our Employee Benefits division would be happy to assist you in providing the well-being of both you and your staff.